Dear Team,

In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:

Special Shout-out
Update on Staff & Recruitment
Section Stories
Upcoming Events
- Staff appreciation week
- Teachers open day
- Parents' meeting online | 5 to 9 Grade
- Registration deadline for the Summer School Camp
- House meeting: talk first, chill after!
- The impact of screens on young minds
- CFO-ESG Conference
Practical Information
- Essential rules for the smooth running of the school
- Entrances and exits
- Absences and meetings
- Classrooms
- Common areas and equipment
- Teaching resources
- Staff room
- Requesting school equipment for home use
Act Together
- Menu
- Star of may: nectarines

About this space

We rise by lifting each other. This is the spirit of our gratitude space in the internal newsletter — a corner to celebrate those small gestures that make a difference, even if they often go unnoticed.

This space is for colleagues, by colleagues — it’s not from the management, it’s from the team, for the team. It’s about valuing what we are together, recognizing the effort, care, and presence. If you’d like to thank a colleague, this is the place. It will be published in the next newsletter.

Shout out

Special shoutout to everyone who took part in the Action Research Programme – and a heartfelt thank you to David Booth for organizing and encouraging everyone’s participation.

To all the assistants, thank you for leaving the facilities so well-prepared before the holidays. Your hard work, reliability, and all the behind-the-scenes efforts – often unnoticed – are deeply appreciated.

To all teachers and coordinators, thank you for submitting the reports on time. We know it was a stressful period, but you all handled it exceptionally well – congratulations!

To Eva Silva, Joana Cunha, and Laura Cercas, thank you for managing all the bureaucracy around the reports. We know it was a tense moment, but we trusted it would be resolved – because it was in the right hands.

To Manda Wright and António Rosa, thank you for making sure the students finished their course works.

A special thanks to Inês Fragoso for organizing and overseeing the beginning of the exams, and to everyone who ensured they ran smoothly throughout the break.

To the Kitchen Team, thank you for your flexibility during the power outage.

Finally, the Support Staff would like to thank Diogo Santos for the time management training – not only was it useful, but it also equipped us with new tools and created a very special moment for the whole team.

RECRUITMENT
We're hiring! Help us find your next colleague for the following positions:

Primary Teacher (Now or School Year 25/26)
Head of Student Support (School Year 25/26)
Secondary Business Teacher (School Year 25/26)
Secondary Mathematics Teacher (School Year 25/26) with the possibility of leading the Mathematics Department
Secondary Arts and Design Teacher (School Year 25/26)

Remember, these positions are open to everyone, so if you're interested, don't hesitate to apply!

Additionally, at Aprendizes, we believe that YOU are the best person to identify and select your future colleagues. That's why we're implementing an active referral system. If you recommend a future colleague (and they confirm that you informed them about the position), you'll receive a €150 referral bonus!

TRAINING AND BEST PRACTICES SHARING

On April 14th and 15th, the staff participated in two days dedicated to training and sharing, starting with a keynote speech by Phil Whitehead. The event included over 30 sessions, including workshops and the exchange of best practices.

The Action Research Workshops were an inspiring opportunity to explore pedagogical innovation, create new benchmarks, and strengthen collaboration among colleagues across the school.

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THE SALTEADORES BUILD A TREEHOUSE IN THE FOREST

This week, the Salteadores ventured into the forest with one goal in mind: to build a treehouse. Mateus, Sofia, and João Pedro started gathering sticks and branches. Margarida and Berta quickly joined to help, and soon all the Salteadores were collaborating on the construction.

The teamwork and creativity of everyone resulted in an amazing cabin, which was completed in no time. Proud of their teamwork, the Salteadores celebrated the success of the project, sitting in their new treehouse, enjoying the nature they love so much.

A GESTURE OF HOPE AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Lara, Gianna, and Noa (5th grade, A) delivered donations to the Associação de Solidariedade Social do Alto da Cova da Moura as part of a project from the Global Perspectives Summit. This small organization supports the local community, especially young women — some pregnant or living alone with children — and children up to 15 years old, many of whom are in situations of great vulnerability.

Projects like this demonstrate how students can turn empathy into concrete action.

Secondary

MIRROR MAGIC: THE LIGHT TRICK

In an optical experiment, light from a flashlight strikes a flat mirror, and what's fascinating is that the incident and reflected rays form the same angle with the perpendicular line to the mirror. This simple demonstration reveals the Law of Reflection.

This principle is essential for understanding light and forms the foundation of technologies like mirrors and lasers, showing how light follows precise, predictable rules, crucial for advancing science and technology.

APRENDIZES WIN 4TH PLACE IN THE VOLUNTEER SCHOOL AWARD!

Our school proudly secured 4th place in the Volunteer School Award, granted by the Cascais Town Council. We stood out among all schools in the municipality, ranking first among international schools.

We extend our gratitude to our students, partner institutions, staff, and families for supporting our students’ volunteer projects. Volunteering is essential in shaping conscious and engaged global citizens.

Together, we make a difference!

07 MAY | Parent’s Meeting | online | 5 to 9 grades | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM

12 MAY | Grade 4 | Aprendizes | Planetarium in School

19–23 MAY | Africa Week

20 MAY | Library | The impact of screens, games and social media on the brain – Talk by Mirabilis | 9:00 AM

23 MAY | CFO–ESG Conference

28 MAY | Grades 3–8 (some students) | Jamor | Track and Field Tournament

29 MAY | Grade 2 | KidZania | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

30 MAY | Bio Market | Tent | 4:15 PM–6:00 PM

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

Next week, from May 5th to 9th, we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week! A week filled with activities, gratitude, and affection.

On May 9th, families are invited to show their appreciation however they wish – with a hug, a letter, a smile, a little kiss… or a thoughtful treat.

TEACHERS OPEN DAY

At Aprendizes, we’re shaping the future through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning. We’re on the lookout for educators who see teaching not just as a job, but as a powerful, transformative craft.

Do you know someone who inspires, connects, and dares to innovate in the classroom? Someone driven to make a real impact? We’d love to meet them!

Help us spread the word — registration is now open!

📍 Dates:
06th May | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
09th May | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

PARENTS' MEETING ONLINE | 5 TO 9 GRADE

This is a reminder that the parents' meeting will take place on May 7, at 2:00 PM, online. All students must attend as well. Classes will end at 01:10 PM that day to ensure everyone can participate.

We look forward to the presence of both parents and students to discuss the academic progress and development of the students.

SCHOOL CAMP | DEADLINE EXTENDED

The registration deadline for the School Camp has been extended to 09 May. Parents who are interested should complete the enrolment process as outlined in the email previously sent. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a place for your child!

TALK FIRST, CHILL AFTER!

The next House Meeting will take place on 15th May at 5 PM in the library, followed by a lively Happy Hour! It's a great opportunity to share ideas, suggestions and to strengthen team spirit. Contributions can be submitted here.

We look forward to seeing everyone — let’s end the day in style!

THE IMPACT OF SCREENS ON YOUNG MINDS

Join us on May 20th at 9am in the Aprendizes Library for an informative talk by Mirabilis. Discover how screens, games, and social media affect children’s brains. Learn science-based insights to support healthier screen habits and informed decisions at home.

Talk in English, open to all Aprendizes parents. Registration here.

CFO-ESG CONFERENCE

A reminder that the CFO-ESG Conference, led by Erwin, will take place in the library all day on 23 May. Please ensure the school is clean, organised and welcoming. Let’s make sure all guests feel comfortable and well received throughout the day.

Thank you for your cooperation.

ESSENTIAL RULES FOR THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE SCHOOL

At this time of year, when routines become more intense, it’s important to revisit a few key procedures that help keep our school running smoothly and ensure everyone’s well-being. Everyone’s collaboration makes a real difference!

ENTRANCES AND EXITS

It is mandatory to scan your ID card every time you enter and exit the school.
If your card is not working, please report it to Bárbara Portugal.
If you forget your card, please register your entry and exit in writing with Bárbara Portugal.

ABSENCES AND MEETINGS

If you need to be absent, please complete the Absence form as early as possible.
Whenever you have meetings with external visitors (parents, guardians, or partners), make sure to inform the reception in advance.

CLASSROOMS

At the end of each lesson, classrooms must be left tidy and clean. Please switch off lights, monitors, computers, smartboards, fans, and air conditioning.
After the last lesson of the day, make sure all windows are closed.

COMMON AREAS AND EQUIPMENT

Dishes must be placed in the appropriate containers in the kitchen or staff room.
Any furniture moved from common areas should be returned to its original place as soon as possible.
We are all responsible for keeping the school space clean, tidy, and presentable at all times. This is a shared responsibility.

TEACHING RESOURCES

Before ordering any new resources or materials, please check if they are already available.
Distribute materials to students responsibly and ensure they are returned in good condition and to their proper place after class.

STAFF ROOM

Keep the tables clean and organised so they are ready for the next colleague.
Shared materials must be returned to their proper place after use.
Leave the coffee station clean and the machine ready for the next user.
Make sure your documents (worksheets, tests, etc.) are either with you or stored in your designated area – not scattered around the staff room.
Any unused or mistakenly printed pages should go in the reuse box or recycling bins.

REQUESTING SCHOOL EQUIPMENT FOR HOME USE

General equipment: contact Laura Cercas.
Library equipment: contact Frederico Soares.
Other equipment: contact Teresa Cruz.

Finally, we recommend revisiting the Staff Hand Book, where you’ll find all these guidelines in more detail. You can access the document [here].

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!